I received a summons to appear in court over a debt of just under 9000. I contacted the collector. He agreed to take a lump sum of 4500 and the debt would be cleared and the case would be dismissed. I gave him my payment info and he sent an email regarding our agreement. Once the payment goes through, that will be my proof of payment. They will also send documentation in the mail saying the account has been paid off. Should I contact the court anyway to see if the case was dropped?

Never hurts. I hope you got the agreement in writing BEFORE you sent any money.

I am not sure if an email qualifies as "in writing" were this to go to court. Someone smarter than I can answer that.

Hello J:

I would have gotten ONE more item from them... I would have gotten their word that when the credit bureaus come around to verify the debt, they will stay silent... That way, you can challenge the entry on your credit reports and it'll come off.

excon